ERIC Number: EJ1123837
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0316-1218
EISSN: N/A
Challenges and Opportunities for Collegial Governance at Canadian Universities: Reflections on a Survey of Academic Senates
Pennock, Lea; Jones, Glen A.; Leclerc, Jeff M.; Li, Sharon X.
Canadian Journal of Higher Education, v46 n3 p73-89 2016
Following the design of a similar study in 2000, the authors conducted a study of university senates (academic councils) to assess the current state of academic governance in Canada's universities. An earlier paper presented and analyzed the data that were gathered about senate size, composition, structure, legislative authority, and work, and about structural and governance changes to senates in the intervening decade. The current paper focuses on themes arising from responses to the 2012 survey's open-ended questions, highlighting key findings. Significant findings relate to a sizeable discrepancy between senate members' perceptions of the importance of effective academic oversight and their success at achieving this. Suggested reforms include: reviewing and improving senate performance; fostering a culture of trust and respect among and within governing bodies; clarifying spheres of authority and accountability; and promoting the importance of collegial governance and oversight within the institution.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Collegiality, Governance, Barriers, Educational Opportunities, Universities, College Governing Councils, Administrator Attitudes, Group Membership, Institutional Role, Accountability, Organizational Effectiveness, Self Evaluation (Groups), Surveys
Canadian Society for the Study of Higher Education. P.O. Box 34091, RPO Fort Richmond, Winnipeg, MB R3T 5T5, Canada. Tel: 204-474-6404; Fax: 204-474-7561; e-mail: csshe@cc.umanitoba.ca; Web site: http://csshe-scees.ca/publications/canadian-journal-of-higher-education/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A